Apr 1 1963
From The Space Library
Third anniversary of orbiting of TIROS I, first U.S. meteorological satellite, which provided during its 78-day lifetime more than 19,000 usable cloud-cover photographs. TIROS I was followed by five additional successful Tiros satellites, the last two of which-TIROS V and vi-were still in operation after more 'than nine and six months respectively. To date, TIROS V had transmitted more than 44,000 useful cloud-system photographs and TIROS VI, more than 39,000. TIROS V and VI photographed hurricanes and typhoons in July, August, and September 1962; in August alone, they discovered two Atlantic hurricanes and four Pacific typhoons. Since April 1, 1962, there were only seven days when a Tiros satellite was not in operation. Information gathered by satellites was being used in daily operations of Weather Bureau's National Meteorological Center in weather analyses and forecasts for entire U.S. (NASA Release 63-65; Commerce Dept. Release WB 63-4)
USAF launched unidentified satellite with Thor-Agena D vehicle. (Pres. Rpt. on Space, 1963,1/27/64)
Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA Associate Administrator, testified on NASA facility planning before House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Space Sciences and Advanced Research and Technology. "There are several basic agency guidelines under which the Program Directors establish their facility requirements. In addition to money constraints, always present, every effort is made to meet requirements through modifications to existing facilities and the use of government owned facilities and sites in lieu of new construction and land purchase. As a result, facilities and sites which otherwise might be obsolete or unused become effective tools for the conduct of our program. I think NASA has an unusually fine record in this respect . . . ." (Testimony)
In address to the annual meeting of the NEA's elementary school principals at Oklahoma City, NASA Administrator James E. Webb stated that every segment of society needs to reexamine its activities in the light of changes brought about by science and technology. "In the field of education it is evident that a first and obvious demand of this age is an increasing supply of scientific and technical manpower, including scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with advanced degrees . . . "A second obvious demand on education is the development of a citizenry with a higher level of scientific literacy, not merely to motivate more young people; toward careers in science, but to assure our nation of a body politic better qualified to understand and cope with the problems of government and society during a period of t and rapid change. great "And, ally, achievement of our goals in space will demand the highest scholastic efforts and intellectual accomplishments in virtually ever field of study. "Space is, indeed, a new and challenging frontier, but it is a frontier of the intellect--one which challenges brain, not brawn, with creative intelligence our greatest weapon . . . ." (Text)
Selection of Lockheed California Co. and Boeing Co./North American Aviation, Inc., as contractors to conduct airframe research in supersonic transport program was announced by FAA Administrator Najeeb E. Halaby. Lockheed would perform research in three study areas under $950,000 contract; Boeing/North American, operating as a joint venture, would perform research in six areas under $850,000 contract: Under the cost-sharing agreement, government was providing $1.8 million and industries $1.6 million toward total program costs. (FAA Release 63-35)
Norman V. Petersen, USAF FTC Technical Director, told House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight that if Soviets emphasize "single lunar mission, using earth-orbital rendezvous, they would have the ability to accomplish this [manned lunar landing] at the present time." Petersen estimated Soviet technique would involve launching 10-15 rockets to place lunar vehicle components in earth orbit, where they would be assembled for flight to moon. (UPI, Wash. Post) 4/2/63)
V. Arsentyev of State Astronomical Institute, Moscow, was quoted as saying Soviet Cosmos satellites were planned to map the atmospheric layer between 124 mi. and 995 mi., as well as to provide specific data for space flights and spacecraft design. Cosmos satellites supplied current space weather data before and during flight of VOSTOK III and IV and were used to study micrometeoroid impact. on spacecraft. (Av. Wk., 4/1/63)
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